Two estate agents in the South West’s Property Sharing Experts network are to take part in this year’s London Marathon for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Type 1 Diabetes affects 400,000 in the UK and more than 29,000 of them are children. The rate of people affected by the condition is increasing by four percent annually, particularly in children under five.

JDRF is dedicated to funding research to improve lives and ultimately find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, which strikes children suddenly, making them insulin dependent for life and carrying a constant threat of devastating complications. Run by people with the condition, the charity funds research to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes; it provides vital support and information for children, adults and parents living with the condition at all stages, from diagnosis and beyond, and gives a voice to people with the condition, campaigning for increased focus on, and funding for, research to find the cure.

The two estate agents are training hard to tackle the challenging 26 miles and 385 yards Virgin Money London Marathon 2014, which takes place on 13th April, for the charity, which is held dearly in their hearts.

Jennie Roberts, sales negotiator at the Teignmouth office of Force & Sons, has two sons, both with best friends that were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes whilst at primary school, and is training and running marathon with a friend whose son also has the condition. Jennie said: “I’m taking part in the London Marathon to raise as much money as possible to support the fantastic work that JDRF does. With the generous support and encouragement of friends, family, colleagues and associates, I hope I can help make even a small difference to people living with Type 1 Diabetes.”

Miranda Pearce, partner of Clive Pearce Property in Truro, is running with a friend, whose son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just after his 13th birthday last summer. In spite of his life changing condition, he is still pursuing his dream of becoming a professional cyclist and has adapted amazingly to managing his condition. Miranda said: “I am finding it hard to fit in the training around work but I am determined to run the marathon for this great charity, which has helped Alfie so much. I’m aiming to complete the course in a reasonable time, but my main aim is to generate as much as I can for this wonderful charity and its important work.”

For further information on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, visit www.jdrf.org.uk.